Mentor Requirements

Your Role

• Role Model: be a example of professional excellence
• Encourager: give positive feedback and professional support
• Counselor: be open for discussion on career issues
• Colleague: help mentee feel their value within the profession

Qualifications

• Be an NDLA member
• Worked in a professional library position(s) for a minimum of 5 years
• Hold an MLIS degree (or equivalent – school library teaching credential, MSIS, MLS, etc.)
• Commit 1 year to the program
• Be open to all viewpoints and career goals
• Be a good listener
• Desire to support and guide those that are new to the librarian profession

How to begin

• Complete an application (attach your resume)
• Initiate contact with mentee
• Contact your mentee a minimum of one time per month
• Provide feedback and suggestions based on professional development goals that your mentee shares with you

Guidelines

• Make the initial contact with the mentee
• Focus on your mentees strengths, goals, and struggles in his/her profession
• Ask questions and provide support based on the information shared with you
• Don’t be critical or negative – everyone has different experiences and priorities
• Work with the mentees to set career goals and objectives
• Contact may be made in-person, by phone, email, or web-conferencing (Skype, Google Hangout, etc.)
• Keep all conversations between you and your mentee confidential as appropriate
• Contact Jesse Leraas (jesse.leraas@sanfordhealth.org) if you encounter any problems
• Complete a feedback form in order to provide information on the program